community against substance abuse · community against substance abuse fostering healthy lifestyle...
TRANSCRIPT
Community Against Substance Abuse
Fostering healthy lifestyle choices that help
young people resist alcohol and drugs
March 2015
Highlights
From the Chair CASA’s Impact
The Mask You Live In
S.T.E.P. More Positive Feedback from Parents
Drug Awareness Week Speaker & Art Contest
Junior Prom Help & Donations Needed
CASA Donor Roll Call for Contributions
The Parenting Continuum The Science of Sleep SafeRides Signing Up More Volunteers
Editor’s Corner Natural Sleep Aids
From the Chair
CASA’s Impact
Wendy Riggs, Chairperson
At Los Gatos High School, we have several peer-to-
peer education groups: Shifting Perceptions, Reality
Check, Freshman skills, Students to Students and
P.A.W.S. I am told that many, if not all, of these
programs began as CASA initiatives, which
ultimately made it into the framework of the school
education program. These programs are now
advised by Nancy Offer, while CASA continues to
financially support these on campus peer-to-peer
groups. Additionally, we highlight a different
program at each of our monthly meetings.
In February we heard from Shifting Perceptions. This group’s purpose is “to use posters, bulletins,
student surveys and in-class presentations to free teens from pressures that don’t exist (perceptions)
and educate the student body about possible harm that results from some common choices. High
school students have perceptions that are sometimes contrary to the realities. It is Shift's goal to
educate students about facts and statistical truths of high school in order to help every student's high
school experience be safer and give them the opportunity to thrive in a healthy environment.”
Each Fall these students produce and tabulate an anonymous survey of all the students regarding
their perceptions around alcohol and drug use, and then also ask them their reality. I thought it would
also be useful to share this information with you, the parents and community. Maybe your
perceptions are also different from reality? Personally I found the survey results very interesting. The
full survey can be found here (http://www.casalg.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Shift-Survey-
Results-Oct-2014.pdf). I have summarized a couple key points below:
Question Class of 2017 Class of 2015
How often do you think the typical LGHS
student drinks alcohol?
weekly = 19% weekly = 39%
How often do you think the typical LGHS
student smokes marijuana?
weekly = 24% weekly = 34%
About how often do you drink alcohol? weekly = 5%
rarely/never = 82.5%
weekly = 19%
About how often do you smoke marijuana? weekly = 6%
rarely/never = 88%
weekly = 11%
Key: Perception vs. Reality
If you would like to learn more about peer-to-peer education programs at LGHS, please go to:
http://www.lghs.net/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=98333&type=d&pREC_ID=183356
Top
Also, we are very excited to partner with the Representation Project and the Los Gatos
Theatre to present:
The Mask You Live In
Date: Sunday, March 15th, 2015
Venue: Los Gatos Theatre
9am VIP Breakfast Reception
10am Screening of THE MASK YOU LIVE IN
Q&A w/ the filmmakers following the
documentary
Q&A Panelists: --Dr. Judy Chu, Stanford Professor
--Jessica Lee, Director of Distribution
the Representation Project
--Anne Ehresman, Project Cornerstone
--Dr. Jerry Callaway, MD
Moderated by Hon. Mike Wasserman,
SCC Board of Directors
Admission: $15 General
$30 VIP
Synopsis:
“The Mask You Live In” follows boys and young men as they struggle to stay true to themselves
while negotiating America’s narrow definition of masculinity. Pressured by the media, their peer
group, and even the adults in their lives, our protagonists confront messages encouraging them to
disconnect from their emotions, devalue authentic friendships, objectify and degrade women, and
resolve conflicts through violence. These gender stereotypes interconnect with race, class, and
circumstance, creating a maze of identity issues boys and young men must navigate to become
“real” men. Experts in neuroscience, psychology, sociology, sports, education, and media also weigh
in, offering empirical evidence of the “boy crisis” and tactics to combat it. The Mask You Live In
ultimately illustrates how we, as a society, can raise a healthier generation of boys and young men.
Thank you for your continued support of CASA!
Wendy Riggs
President, CASA
Contact: Wendy Riggs, [email protected]
Top
Systematic Training for Effective Parenting (S.T.E.P.)
More Positive Feedback from Parents
Joanne Rodgers & Donna Boger, CASA Founders & STEP Facilitators
The next STEP classes are being targeted for this coming
Fall. If you are new to STEP, we would like to share with you
some of the candid views from parents who valued these
classes:
“Great way to get on the same page as your significant other
with respect to raising the children.”
“I wish I had taken this class sooner. It has been so helpful to
examine parenting as a skill that can be learned. I have too often reacted to challenging situations
with my teen without objectively considering options and the effectiveness of my instant reaction and
how my behavior can better influence the desired result.”
“This class was amazing! After applying what I have learned, it was clear to me that this course made
an improvement with my relationships with my teen and others.”
As you can tell from the positive comments, Los Gatos parents have successfully put into practice
their acquired parenting skills and techniques from these classes. We hope you will join us to learn
more about effective parenting in these challenging times of the Millennials.
Contacts: Joanne Rodgers, [email protected], & Donna Boger,
Top
Drug Awareness Week
Speaker & Art Contest
Kari Barnett, Los Gatos High School Rep
CASA supports Los Gatos High School by raising awareness about
drugs and alcohol though a variety of activities during Drug Awareness
Week. This year Drug Awareness week starts Monday, March 16th
through Friday, March 20th. Along with having a guest speaker (details
to be announced) during the week, CASA will be sponsoring an art
contest.
There will be three art categories depicting lifestyle choices against substance abuse. Submissions
can be in the form of poster art, poems and video. Students can look for the CASA table in the main
hall for information. Submissions are due on Wednesday, March 18th. Winners will be announced on
Friday, March 20th.
Contact: Kari Barnett, [email protected]
Top
Junior Prom
Help & Donations Needed
Sabrina Burnett, Junior Class President
To support teen events that foster healthy choices, CASA is helping
the Junior Prom committee in various ways. CASA is involved in the
set-up, cleanup, and staffing of the event, which will be held on
Saturday, April 18th.
The Junior Prom committee needs your help and support to make
this event a success for our Los Gatos students. We need both volunteers to set up, chaperone, and
clean up, as well as provide donations such as cases of water, Italian sparkling sodas, Oreos, fruit
snacks, assorted fresh fruits, cookies, among others.
Please sign up here: http://www.jooners.com/guest?l=6abf87dc-c88a-4b2d-a673-8a15c9260ac7
Let’s team up to make this another memorable evening for our Juniors.
Contact: Sabrina Burnett, [email protected], (408) 881-4235
Top
CASA Donor Roll
Call for Contributions
Sally Edsall, Treasurer
CASA is grateful to our generous donors who make our mission possible: fostering healthy lifestyle choices that help the young people in our community resist alcohol and drugs. We thank-you!
CASA Donor Roll 2014-15
Gold Donor ($500-$1000) Tom & Sally Edsall Aki Inoue
Los Gatos Music & Arts, Inc. The Alarm Company
Silver Donor ($100-$499) Jeff & Kari Barnett Jana & Greg Barsten John & Karen Boncher
Clyde & Ann Hosein Sue & Ken Huesby Stuart & Vicki Huizinga
Dylan & Lauren Cannon Jackie Castro Karla Albright & Chris Burkhart Faustine & Curt Comstock Jim & Carol Deming Donation Line Penny & Anthony Doy Steven & Deanna Erbst Kimberlynn & David Feece Robert Ferguson Debra Fetters Fidelity Charitable Gift Donna & John Fox Lara Gemignani Maria Gerst Suparna Vashisht & Manish Goel Kelly & Sanford Havens
Valentyn & Albina Kamyshenko John & Monica Kirkorian Michelle Lalljie Juel Lazovsky Danette Mashkoori Belinda Milford Scott & Elise Miller Christine Laing & Scott Mosher Megan Narajowski Wendy Riggs Vernon & Carole Rogers Kathy Rosendin David & Kerry Rothschild Virath Sem Abraham & Noa Sklar Carol & Connor Tinsley Ken & Melissa Toren
Bronze Donor ($50-$99) Faud & Susannah Ahmad Rose & Don Arnaudo Marnette & Jim Atkinson Thomas & Laurie Babula Sharon & Stephen Brodsky Laura & Rich Brossart Robert & Lori Chapman Howard Chen Neil Cook Sharon & Thomas DeMeo Deanne Dicke Darin & Kristin Dillehay Ros & John Edmonds Rebecca & Timothy Farley Leslie & Eric Finch John & Anne Fowler Jill & Alexander Fries Joel & Michelle Greenberg Elizabeth Greer Joseph Hassoun Megan & Brian Hedayati Jere & Leslie Hench Larri & Michael Hirschklau John & Kim Iarocci Judith Jones Paul & Allie Judy Eric & Pazit Kagel David & Karen Krall Taryne & Jeff Kraus
Charles Kuta Robert Land Nancy Lascola David & Judith Long Ian & Cindy MacSween Michael & Jane Mairose Leigh-Anne & Michael Marcellin Jennifer & Dale Marcum Sharon Martin Chris Miller Kelli & Dan O'Gorman Nancy Offer Cathy Olson Jennifer Page Tamar Perez Alexandra Potts Mario & Martha Queiroz David & Christine Ressa Maria & Warren Ristow Kathy Schmidt Todd & Elizabeth Shaw Shelley & Scott Smyers Janet & Brad Stimson Paul & Helen Stone Robert Swartz Maureen & Cyrus Tabari Barbie & Frank Taormina Chris & Kirsten Trapani Patti & Erik Van der Burg
Donor (Up to $49) Michelle Ann Boudreau Stan & Susan Garber Monica Hylbert
Jean Melax Julie & Mike Mercik John & Joanne Varni
At the same time, we would like to encourage you to continue to support CASA by making donations.
Please go to: http://www.casalg.org/programs-events/
Donate to CASA
Register for eScrip
Alternatively, print and fill out the form: http://www.casalg.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/CASA-Flyer-2013-14-Final.pdf
Contact: Sally Edsall, [email protected]
Top
The Parenting Continuum
The Science of Sleep and Its Impact on Health,
Performance, and Well-Being
Shannon Edwards
Dr. Devin Pouty, a clinical psychologist, explained that normal
sleep, a 24-hour process, is a prolonged period of inactivity with circadian organization. There are 4-
5 sleep cycles per night lasting 90-100 minutes. Each cycle has 4 stages with more deep sleep in the
early night and more REM later. REM sleep is when we dream. Teens need 10 hours with 25 percent
in REM while adults need about 8 hours.
Dr. Pouty pointed out that sleep has important physiological and
psychological functions:
Neurogenesis in children where the prefrontal cortex is
developing.
Energy restoration (ATP and glycogen = energy for the brain).
Removal of waste products in the brain (lymphatic system
washes away proteins from the brain).
Endocrine system is actively regulating body functions.
Consolidation of memory and learning e.g. improvement in motor, visual/procedural tasks
after a night’s sleep with REM playing an important part as its suppression negatively impacts
learning.
Reports show that 60 per cent of teens have daytime sleepiness with 15 per cent falling asleep at
school. On average, only 2-4 per cent of seniors get sufficient sleep. Many teens experience a sleep
debt or social jet lag due to their circadian shift and social pressures. The good news is that you can
pay it back and do not need to pay it all back. The bad news is that you cannot build up “credit”. It is
important to erase sleep debt. If not, your teen may experience:
Irritability
Problems coping with strong emotions
Social relationship issues
Cognitive impairments
ADHD-like symptoms
Risk of obesity
Growth suppression
Delayed motor function, auditory & visual reaction
times, lower endurance
Sleepy driving which is the same as drunk driving
You can help your teen get the sleep he/she needs. They need to avoid:
Caffeine which blocks adenosine so that they do not feel sleepy
Late night exercise
Late meals with food that is hard to digest
Noisy, hot, or bright sleep environments
Variation in sleep/wake cycle (aim for no more than 2-hour variation for sleep pattern during
the week and weekend)
Naps that interfere with their ability to go to sleep at the appropriate time (if they need a nap,
make them shorter no more than an hour and earlier in the day before 4pm)
On the other hand, it will be helpful if your teen has:
A cool, dark, quiet, clean room
A later school start time
Light therapy (meds are a last resort as they reduce
REM while herbal and homeopathic methods are not
much more than placebo)
Parents who model healthy sleep habits
Parents can talk to teens about sleep by:
Not having in-the-moment discussions
Not making demands (e.g. go to sleep in 10 minutes)
Not lecturing and threatening
Not asking questions about the demands in a teen’s life such as “what keeps you up? What
do you have to do every day?
Working with teens to help them understand about the importance of sleep and create
realistic sleep schedule
Establishing a sleep-friendly environment
Removing “screens” (computers, mobile phones, TVs, e-readers) from the bedroom
Making the bedroom (at least the bed) for sleeping and relaxing only
Helping teens to manage workload proactively such as planning ahead for projects and tests
Modeling your behavior in managing your stress for your teens
Top
Dr. Prouty presented this talk on January 21st at the LGHS theatre. View this on:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_O6U6n8vnAE&feature=youtu.be. Dr. Prouty is currently the
program manager of a large NIH funded study of adolescent brain development. This study aims to
follow adolescents for several years, tracking brain development, cognitive development, sleep
patterns, and how these may be affected by alcohol use.
Learn more about The Parenting Continuum: www.parentingcontinuum.org
Contact: Shannon Edwards, [email protected], & Marina Barnes,
Top
SafeRides
Signing Up More Volunteers
Karla Albright, Terrie Tabone and Kathy Rosendin
Thank you to the adults who responded to Mr Autrey’s email calling for more
volunteers. Over 30 people responded with interest. We also trained another
16 adults, several of whom have already volunteered which is GREAT.
We are pleased to report that our website is progressing well. Soon, you will be able to go there for
updates. For now, we would like you to know that there is a fundraising project in the works. We note
with pride that our student board members are passionate and productive. Their energy level has
been high during the Friday night shifts with 10-12 students present for each shift. The board
member on duty is doing a wonderful job engaging everyone in fun, interactive activities, which help
keep them awake and entertained.
Applications for next year’s student board members will be
available next month. This leadership opportunity is open to
current sophomores and juniors.
We are also in need of adults interested in joining the board. We
meet monthly during the school year for 1.5 hours. You will also
have the opportunity to mentor a small group of teens on a team.
There is no better time than now to get involved to provide a safe
healthy environment for our teens and ensuring that every teen
gets a safe confidential ride home on Friday nights.
Contact: Karla Albright, [email protected]
Top
Editor’s Corner
Natural Sleep Aids
Lily Lu, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Now that you have read Dr. Prouty’s topic on sleep, what are some
natural aids to help you and your children sleep better?
Light Therapy
The use of light was mentioned in Dr. Prouty’s talk. If you and your teen tend to be shielded from
daylight (due to office/school conditions and commuting in the morning) or also experience low
moods due to seasonal light changes, you may want to read Dr. Peter Forster’s blog on light therapy
(http://moodsurfing.com/using-therapy-light/). Dr. Forster, a psychiatrist in
San Francisco who specializes in mood disorders, recommends the use
of full spectrum lighting to combat moods that affect sleep cycles. In fact,
there are reports that light therapy helps adults and kids with symptoms
of ADHD:
http://www.intelihealth.com/article/the-link-between-adhd-and-sleep-
problems?hd=Minding
http://www.cet.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Rybak-2006-JCP.pdf
Meditation
If you feel more relaxed throughout the day, your sleep will be less
disturbed and anxious. Try meditation. A local group within easy
reach - The Los Gatos - Campbell Meditation Group
(http://www.meetup.com/campbellmeditation/) – may be able to
promote better sleep for you and your children. There is evidence-
based work that meditation (or mindfulness) calms the brain
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sMsUGB_KV7s&sns=em).
Guided Imagery
In the privacy of your own home, if not bedroom, try using
some of the YouTube clips on guided imagery for relaxation:
Guided Imagery: Gentle Rain
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJjc4XreJSQ
Guided Imagery Relaxation Script: Floating on a Cloud
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1iRd45dirYk
Sleep Hypnosis
You can ease into slumber through soothing sleep hypnosis. Here are some YouTube audios that
may resonate with you:
One-hour Sleep Hypnosis for Exam Stress & Study Success
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78oWME53HCU
Two-hour Sleep Hypnosis for Depression Anxiety Self Confidence Emotional Healing
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rEXlScN9AO0
Eight-hour Sleep Hypnosis for Depression Anxiety Self Confidence Emotional Healing
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UqLzR7gLQmw
Eight-hour Sleep Hypnosis Easy Lucid Dreaming
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L6BiD1VQgZI
Since not all of the above will work for you, try them out and see what may be helpful.
If you have more questions on sleep hygiene, please visit:
http://www.helpguide.org/articles/sleep/how-to-sleep-better.htm
Disclosure: I am not affiliated with any of the organizations or products mentioned above.
Contact: Lily Lu, LMFT, [email protected]
Top
CASA Volunteers
CASA School Reps
President/Chair: Wendy Riggs
Secretary: Theresa Leiker
Treasurer: Sally Edsall
Marketing: Holly Keiser
Publicity: Holly Keiser
Newsletter: Lily Lu
SafeRides: Karla Albright, Terrie Tabone, Kathy Rosendin
Under 21 Club: Kari Barnett, Sharonrose Cannistraci
Red Ribbon Week: Penny Doy, Chris Miller
Prescription Drug Drop-off: Open
Chair Emeritus: Karyn Gramling
Community Rep: Chris Miller
Blossom Hill: Michelle Strachan
Daves Ave: LeeAnn Wade
Hillbrook Rep: Sally Edsall
Lexington: Jodi Bannon
Van Meter: Open
St. Mary's: Judy Gadbois, Evelyn Barrett
Fisher Middle: Penny Doy
Loma Prieta/C.T. English: Carol Campbell
Los Gatos High: Kari Barnett, Open Co-rep
High School Co-Rep: Stephanie Perrault
Resources
Parents 24-hour Crisis Hotline for Parents & Teens
855-278-4204
Treatment Referral Helpline by Substance Abuse and
Mental Health Services Administration
800-662-Help
The Partnership for a Drug-Free America
www.Drugfree.org
A drug abuse prevention, intervention, treatment and
recovery resource to help parents and caregivers effectively
address alcohol and drug abuse with their teens and young
adults.
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
http://www.drugabuse.gov/
National Families in Action
http://www.nationalfamilies.org/ Dedicated to helping parents prevent children from using
alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs since 1977.
Too Smart to Start for Families
http://www.toosmarttostart.samhsa.gov/families/default.aspx
Set up by the U.S. Dept of Health and Human Services
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services
Administration Center for families dealing with substance
abuse and its prevention and helping young people avoid
underage alcohol use and its consequences.
Kids/Teens/Youth 24-hour Crisis Hotline for Parents & Teens
855-278-4204
Treatment Referral Helpline by Substance Abuse and
Mental Health Services Administration
800-662-Help
Friday Night Live Youth Leadership
http://www.voicesunited.net/en/
408-292-7292
Youth leaders address substance abuse and compulsive
behaviors
NIDA for Teens
http://teens.drugabuse.gov/
Created by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) to
educate adolescents ages 11 through 15 (as well as their
parents and teachers) on the science behind drug abuse.
NIDA worked with teens in developing the site to ensure that
the content addresses appropriate questions and timely
concerns.
Too Smart to Start for Teens
http://www.toosmarttostart.samhsa.gov/teens/default.aspx
Help teens and youth deal with substance abuse and its
prevention.
National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence,
Inc.
http://ncadd.org/index.php/for-parents-overview/overview
National Drug Abuse Institute
http://www.drugabuse.gov/parent-teacher.html
Inform parents & teachers about the health effects and
consequences of drug abuse and addiction.
Time to Talk
http://www.aef.com/exhibits/social_responsibility/pdfa/7000
Provide parents with easy-to-use guides and tips in ongoing
conversations with your kids to keep them healthy and drug-
free.
Teen Drug Abuse
http://www.teen-drug-abuse.org/
Wealth of information on addictions and treatment for
parents.
Words Can Work
http://www.wordscanwork.com/
Evidence-based DVDs and booklets for young people,
parents/other caregivers, about the public health challenges
kids face growing up.
Community Anti-drug Coalitions of America (CADCA)
cadca.org
Treatment Centers
www.samhsa.gov/treatment
Infographic on Drug Use in Today's Classroom
http://www.homehealthtesting.com/blog/2011/03/new-
infographic-teen-drug-trends-2011/
Monitoring the Future of Teen Drug Use
http://www.drugabuse.gov/related-topics/trends-
statistics/infographics/monitoring-future-2012-survey-results
Above the Influence
http://www.abovetheinfluence.com/facts/drugfacts/
Help teens deal with the pressure to do drugs and
encourages them to rise above the negative influences or
peer pressure.
Quit Smoking Community
http://quitsmokingcommunity.org/
Nicotine Anonymous
http://www.nicotine-anonymous.org/
American Lung Association
http://www.lung.org/stop-smoking/about-smoking/facts-
figures/children-teens-and-tobacco.html
Teen Drug Abuse
http://www.teen-drug-abuse.org/
Wealth of information on addictions and treatment for kids.
Teen Drug Self-test
http://ncadd.org/index.php/for-youth/self-test-for-teens National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence questionnaire to help teens determine if they or someone they know is at risk of alcohol and drug dependence and need assistance. Faces and Voices of Recovery (FAVOR)
facesandvoicesofrecovery.org
Top
Volunteer with or donate to CASA Like us on Facebook Subscribe or unsubscribe
20 High School Court Los Gatos, CA 95030 [email protected]
Top